Devon & Exeter
Intermediate 1
Okehampton Argyle
Seconds 1
South Zeal 0
ON a sunny afternoon in front of a good Easter crowd both sides served up a close and entertaining match on a hard and bumpy pitch.
Okehampton played some fine passing football from the off and with the slope had most of the early pressure but without making any real chances in front of goal.
Ian Reddington had Okehampton's first shot at goal but his effort sailed just over the bar. A fine left wing run from Christian Jones saw his centre drilled wide by Steve Williams which should have given Okehampton the lead.
At the other end Scott Leyman pulled off an acrobatic save averting an own goal from a wicked deflection. Okehampton's back four were rarely troubled in the first half and James Williams was to have a solid performance against the lively Daniel Pengelly who looked strong on the ball.
The second half saw Okehampton press South Zeal continually but they lacked the final ball to get behind a resolute Zeal defence. Christian Jones, who worked hard all match, should have given Okehampton the lead after good work from Steve Williams and Tim Shaw but tired legs let him down and his shot was well saved on the second attempt.
Jason Sandford came on for Jones and straight away got the only goal of the match when his left wing cross curled over Cleave Collins into the top corner. South Zeal threw men forward but Okehampton's back four were solid.
This Saturday Okehampton are home to Seaton, 3pm kick-off.